Blu-ray Review: Jack Black in Richard Linklater’s Clever ‘Bernie’

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
No votes yet

CHICAGO – Richard Linklater’s “Bernie” is one of those unusual stories that is so bizarre that it has to be true. It is the saga of Bernie Tiede (Jack Black), a closeted, affable mortician who befriended an irascible, cranky woman named Majorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine). After years of psychological abuse, he shot her in the back and stored her in the freezer in their garage. As he does with all of his projects, Linklater approaches this true story from a unique, entertaining angle. He’s simply one of our best living filmmakers and “Bernie” is merely further proof.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

“Dazed and Confused,” “Before Sunrise,” “School of Rock,” “A Scanner Darkly,” “Tape,” “Waking Life” — Richard Linklater rocks. While “Bernie” may not be the fully satisfying meal as some of his best, it is undeniably clever, well-written, well-acted, and beautifully constructed. Mixing real world details, mockumentary techniques, and dark humor, “Bernie” is a very smart movie about some very strange people. It’s a great rental and one of the more memorable films of 2012 to date.

Bernie was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 21, 2012
Bernie was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 21, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede was one of the town’s most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.

StarClick here to buy “Bernie”

Special Features:
o Featurettes: Amazing Grace, True Story To Film, The Gossips
o Deleted Scenes
o Previews

“Bernie” stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey. It was directed by Richard Linklater. It is rated R and was released on August 21, 2012.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
tracker